Question

The element oxygen (O) has six electrons in its outermost shell. How many covalent bonds will O readily form?

1) none
2) one
3) two
4) three

Answer 1

Oxygen will readily form two covalent bonds to fulfill its octet, as evidenced by its bonding behavior in oxygen gas (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxygen, with six valence electrons, requires two additional electrons to complete its octet. This is achieved by forming two covalent bonds, as in the molecule of oxygen gas (O₂), where two oxygen atoms share two pairs of electrons in a double covalent bond. Similarly, in carbon dioxide (CO₂), one carbon atom forms two double covalent bonds with two oxygen atoms.